Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Minister for Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

As the Prime Minister's indicated, there are thousands of operators; facility and care providers; nurses and other clinical staff; volunteers; cleaners; cooks; and therapists out there improving the lives of senior Australians every day. However, following intensified policing and inspections of this sector by government authorities, information has come to light that makes the case for a royal commission into the sector compelling. For instance, findings of a serious risk against service providers have risen by 177 per cent over the last year, referrals to the Aged Care Quality Agency have risen 188 per cent over the last year and non-compliance notices are up by 185 per cent.

The royal commission will look at the aged-care sector as a whole without bias or prejudice. It will make findings on the evidence. And as the Prime Minister has also said, it will then be up to the government and parliament to act on these findings together.